Amazing Healthy Benefits of Okra (Lady's Finger)

Amazing Healthy Benefits of Okra (Lady's Finger)

Excellent for Weight Loss
Okra is often recommended by dietitians to control cholesterol and in weight loss programs because it is low in calorie, contains no saturated fats and a rich source of dietary fiber.

Improves Eyesight
The pods of okra contain large amount of Vitamin A, beta-carotene, xanthine and lutein. These nutrients and antioxidants are essential for good eye health and promote good vision. It can help prevent eye problems like glaucoma and cataract.

Promotes Healthy-looking Skin
The lady’s fingers contain essential skin nutrients that could very well make it the elixir to youth. Its Vitamin A content helps improve skin conditions and reduce pimples and acne. It also contains loads of Vitamin C, which is another essential nutrient in promoting glowing skin.

It helps in the repair of body tissues and stimulates collagen formation, which is one of the building blocks that make your skin firm and plump. This helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and prevents skin pigmentation making your skin look young and radiant.

An excellent promoter of a healthy pregnancy
Okra is rich in folate, which is considered as an important natural compound for the pregnant women to help grow and maintain new cells. And okra is rich in vitamin C, which is also essential for fetal development.

Helps prevent diabetes
The natural fiber is okra works effectively for the patient with high blood sugar, it normalizes and slows down sugar absorption to help to control diabetes.

Helps with kidney disease
A study found that regular consumption of okra can help prevent kidney disease. It has been proven that those who ate okra daily can reduce the medical signs of kidney damage.

Helps prevent asthma
A study has found that vitamin C in okra may help with respiratory issues like asthma, the study concluded that regular intake of okra may reduce wheezing symptoms in childhood, especially among already susceptible individuals.

High Fiber Content
The dietary fiber content of okra/lady’s finger is known to be high and hence, many health specialists recommend it for digestive benefits. The fibers aid the process of digestion in the body by facilitating proper bowel movement.

Good Folate Content
The folates present in okra reduce the neural tube defects in a newborn baby. So, it is highly recommended for women during the preconception period or pregnancy.

Vitamin K Benefits
Vitamin K is a co-factor in the blood-clotting process. It also plays a major role in strengthening the bones in our body.

Reduces Blood Sugar Levels
Okra contains insulin-like properties that help reduce blood sugar levels. It also has a low glycemic index of about 20, making it a good choice for people with diabetes.

A 2011 study published in the Journal of Pharmacy & BioAllied Sciences confirmed the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic potential of abelmoschus esculentus (okra) peel and seed powder in diabetic rats.

Another study published in the same year in ISRN Pharmaceutics found that okra helps reduce the absorption of glucose, which in turn lowers blood sugar levels.

Cut off the ends of 4 or 5 okras and prick the body using a fork. Instead of pricking, you can also slit halfway.
Soak the pricked okras in a glass of water overnight.
The next morning, remove the okras and drink the water on an empty stomach.
Do this daily to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.

Lowers Bad Cholesterol
Okra may also help lower cholesterol levels. A 2014 study published in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology found that the hypolipidemic activity of okra skin extract provides cholesterol-lowering benefits.

It inhibits pancreatic cholesterol esterase activity, reduces the efficacy of cholesterol micellization and binds to bile acids, which in turn delays cholesterol absorption and increases its excretion.

In addition, it contains no saturated fats or cholesterol and helps prevent heart disease and other health problems caused by cholesterol in the blood.

Include okra in your diet to lower your bad cholesterol level. You can even take okra extract, after consulting your doctor.

Treats Leukorrhea
According to folkloric practice, fresh tender okra pods are beneficial in treating leukorrhea, which causes whitish or yellowish vaginal discharge between menstruations.

Its mucilaginous property helps remove mucous from your system, which in turn reduces vaginal discharge. In addition, it boosts your immune system to help fight the problem.

Wash 1 cup of fresh okras and cut them into small pieces.
Boil the pieces in 2 cups of water for about 15 minutes or until the water is reduced by half.
Strain, divide it into 3 parts and add drink it 3 times a day until you notice improvement in your condition.